Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 2
Bryant defines *philia xenia* as loving strangers/immigrants “like you would love your own brother,” and even hints it can include “enemy”—where do your instincts resist that definition, and what do those resistance points reveal about what you believe God is like?
Another way to ask: Bryant says loving strangers means loving them like a brother, maybe even like an enemy. Where do you push back against that, and what does that show about how you think God is?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s teaching, resistance usually shows up where we still operate from fear, self-protection, or superiority rather than believing God calls us to love strangers with “brotherly love”—even when they feel like enemies. Those resistance points may reveal we picture God as primarily protective of “our group,” rather than the One who does good even to those opposed to Him.
- Bryant defines hospitality from Greek as “philia zina… brotherly love” plus “stranger or an immigrant,” meaning “love your own brother.”
- He adds that “z[i]na is… like an enemy, like to love your enemy,” widening hospitality beyond friends.
- He contrasts this with xenophobia as “incredible fear,” tied to “prejudice, racism,” and today’s pressures.
- He warns that “sadly you have Christians… because of fear… buying into… xenophobia.”
- In Jesus’ teaching, Bryant highlights, “love your enemies… do good to those who hate you,” grounding hospitality in God’s character.
- He points to God’s indiscriminate kindness: “sun… on the evil and on the good… rain… on the just and the unjust.”